Arsenal centre-back Thomas Vermaelen is set to undergo surgery for his persistent Achilles problem and will be out of action for another six weeks at least.
Vermaelen has been on the sidelines since August and has been nearing a return for the past few weeks. Laurent Koscielny, Sebastian Squillaci and Johan Djourou have filled in during his absence and manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he will have to delve into the transfer market in order to fill the gap in January.
Even though this is sad for him, maybe Wenger will spend big in a couple of new defenders.
Wenger now has only 2 center backs: Djourou and Koscielny. If one of those is injured, he will be in trouble.
I hope Vermaelen gets well soon. Arsenal will need him against Barca.